After a good battle was fought out in last week’s encounter with Team Blas, Schwarz Star FC looked to continue the run in this game and seal a first win for the feeder team.

OCBC was the opponents this week at Bendemeer Secondary and Schwarz Star FC had every chance to prove themselves. The game was kicked off by Schwarz Star and soon progressed into an exciting match.

After an attempted long ball upfield to Leon by Chris was intercepted, the player who made the interception took a step forward and sent an ambitious attempt towards goal. Whye Ming, the keeper of the day, was caught way off his line and the ball flew straight over his head and into the back of the net.

Schwarz Star had a chance of their own, after Chris made a delightful run down the left wing and played a short pass between the defenders into the path of Leon. The striker could only send a weak volley towards the opponent’s keeper as the defender was right behind him.

OCBC then took the game towards Schwarz Star and had another chance on goal soon. A shot by the opponent somehow bounced off the post and after some miscommunication between the defenders and keeper, Whye Ming poked the ball out towards the opponent lurking outside the box. The opponent took no chances and sent a shot straight back at goal. This time round, OCBC was in luck as the ball deflected off the post and into the back of the net.

Schwarz Star were behind after 15 minutes of play and needed to respond fast. Another opportunity appeared for Leon when a long ball upfield was misjudged by the OCBC defender and Leon was right on the ball. He took a touch towards the box and after a failed attempted to pass the ball to a teammate to his right, he chose to flick the ball over the defender and the ball was eventually cleared for a corner.

A mass substitution was carried out by Coach and soon, Schwarz Star had more control of the game. Newcomer Mike impressed many with his bag of tricks, most notably, a series of flick on the ball after receiving it from a throw and without hesitation, made a cheeky flick over the defender and made a run down the flank. The first half ended 2-0 in OCBC’s favour and after a talk by Coach, the second half was underway.

The referee was in the limelight for the whole game after a series of bad calls. Shafiq was stepped on when an opponent made a clusmy tackle but was not spotted by the referee. This was followed by two wrongly made offside calls in the second half, which caused Yen and Leon to respond in sarcasm from the sidelines.

The team were determined to find a way back into the game and several chances were spunned by the team. Melvin and Jack had, undoubtly, the best chance of the game after having three attempts made by them on goal, which was all blocked by the defenders. The team also had several other chances which he failed to convert. A free kick by Mike was met by Melvin, who sent it just over the crossbar, much to the opponent’s delight.

At the other end, a tackle by Helmi, a result of Leonie’s failure to stop the opponent from advancing into the box, resulted in a penalty. Whye Ming was beaten by the ball, which end up in the top right hand corner of the net. Whye Ming was injured after that and was replaced by Brandon in goal. Brandon made a few good saves which kept the score at 3-0.

The last opportunities for Schwarz Star was from Leon, when he missed the ball completely when attempting a first-time volley and later, an attempted overhead kick to lay the ball off for Shafiq which failed.

The game ended 3-0 and the match was filled with lots of drama, especially from the referee. Pinoy FC is the next match for the feeder team and they will be looking once again, for their first win.

On a bright and sunny saturday pm…Schwarz Star FC “B” squad was up against Team BLAS…the team that defeated the senior team 1-0….with the Schwarizans arriving and Ishak captaining the team…it was down to serious business when everyone started their warm-up..afew senior players like Jason/Shafiq were also in the line-up to guide the younger players..

The formation was the same with the line-up from the GK to the forward(left to right).: Rafiq, Leonie,Dennis,Weiyang,Brandon,Nas,Helmi,Shafiq,Melvin,Ishak,Jason.

With the hot sun blazing down..it was no wonder that our opponents were sub themeselves every 20minutes to deal with the heat.

Both teams were cancelling each other out in possession especially in the middle of the park which saw Nas doing a great job. It was even till Team BLas had a corner kick which was delivered into the box and the striker whacked the ball in..there was high suspicision of a raised high boot at the face of Brandon but the referee rejected the protests. 1-0 down but the Schwarzians never gave up..Leon came in for Helmi and was doing a great job in harrassing the opponents off the ball. Jason being top of the diamond was doing well in shieldingthe ball and distributing to the on-rushing midfielders..Before the end of the match..a cheeky loop from the Blas player went over the Falcons GK…2-0 to the goods at half time..

A half time pep talk by Match Captain and Manager Brandon Sng lifted the spirits and the main objective was for everyone to put to practice what was learnt and to play possession football..

The hunger in the eyes was evident and when the 2nd half whistle blew…the Falcons came out with guns blazing..finally having passes which the BLAS players had problems catching up..the deadlock was broken by Helmi whom came in to left back slot and delivered a teasing cross which deceived the BLAS GK and into the net..2-1..Game on….

The falscons kept puring forward but were unable to get the equaliser..A corner was delieverd into the BLAS goalmouth and Riyas had the ball at his feet and was about to pull the trigger..but was blocked by a last-min tackle by the opponent…

In the final minutes….BLAS..scored a rather controversal goal and 3-1..the Falcons..were not gong to give up..another attack..a cross from Shafiq was delivered in for Wesley btu was unable to tap into the net…

Final Score:3-1 to Team BLAS..

As every team has their special number 7..In Liverpool there’s Kewell..Man U.. There is C.Ronaldo..in Schwarz Star FC..we also have our very own number 7…Azam..Schwarz Star Times caught up with him recently and did an interview..

a) Hi Azam…known to some players in SSFC as the “wing wonder”..how have things been with u so far?

“wing wonder”??? hahahha.. Nah.. there’s a lot of gd players in SSFC playing well in the flanks too!! They were able to create chances and mess up opponent’s defenders as well. So far in my almost 4 years in SSFC, there’s alot of changes compared to the first time i came in where there’s no proper training kit or coach. The team is progressing very well now. At least here’s an aim now. Anyway, i would like to thank to all my team mates for having the trust in me and my ability. Without them, i would’nt be here in SSFC still.

b) U have been with the team for about coming to 4 years already..and players even in the EPL such as C.Ronaldo has been tempted before to join Real Madrid..what is it about SSFC that keeps u with the team for 4years or more?

Well, there are times when I want to try to go into other teams when the progression in SSFC is quite slow at first. However, finding another team with a proper management and training is not an easy task. That is why I stay and I feel welcome when im with the team.

c) As the “wing wonder” of the team..playing on the wings is your  speciality and what satisfaction do u get from playing on the wings..why not play as a striker or defender …

I started playing seriously when I was 13. And the first position was right mid. Though I’ve tried being a striker and as a defender, I should say, I enjoy playing on the flanks the most as it suits my ability and my capability. I just love the feeling of dribbling pass through the defenders. It just gives me a feeling of satisfaction.

d) In your 4 years plus with SSFC..what is the difference in terms of say..playing style and management when u 1st started out with the team till now..?.

Are you happy with the current team? How do you get along with the players both on and off the field?

Well, definitely there’s a lot of difference in the team right now. Firstly, the size of the team is getting bigger and bigger. 50+ players?? Maybe we could make Schwarz Star Football Academy in the future?? Lol.. Anyway, the style of playing in the team is much more intentional and proper compared to last time when we would usually play a typical Sunday football (void deck soccer).

The current team is progressing I should say. We have players that can score and defend well actually. Give the team a little more time together to gel up. They will be better.

Getting along with the players is usually on the field itself. I joke and talk with the others during trainings to have the bonding among us. Off the pitch is usually in MSN?? Haha.. Yeah..

e) What vision/dream do u have for SSFC 5 years down the road..?

I would love to see Schwarz Star still kickin’ and active in 5 years time. Hopefully, the team grows together and become better players playing at a higher level, maybe NFL.

f) In conclusion…Do you have any personal targets you have set for yourself this season?

Well, I guess everyone wants to be the top-scorer in the team or maybe the best player of the season. But I would personally prefer to end the season on top of the table. That would be a greater achievement for the team and myself.

On a cool and cloudy day…the Falcons were up against Newton Heath whom are no strangers to the amatuer soccer scene having plied their trade for a number of years..

With the standard formation in place..from GK-Def-Dm-Mid-Forward (Left to Right) : Alfie, Fii,Weiyang,Thava,Amir,Farhan,Chris,Kevin,,Jason,Azam,Siva..

Chance were few and far between…both teams playing short passess and switching of play..Schwarz Star FC was terrorising on the left wing with Fii doing the occasion over laps. Kevin was presented with a wonderful chance when he went  1v 1 with the opponent GK but skied it over upwards..

Over at the other end..a back pass from our CB to Alfie (maybe bobbling of the ball) Alfie presented the ball straight to the opponent and the opponent had a 1 v1 but failed to capitalise it.

Jason,Azam,Fii came off and Noman,Razmy,Leonie went into the battlefield respectively.Farhan was spraying passess to both wings annd both wingers did their best to try and deliver crosses in.

The formation was switched to 4-4-2 and with 10 minutes remaining..Kevin and Siva were sub by Azam,Brandon respectively… Fot Team Manager Brandon it was his 1st league outing and was determined to impress with the minimal time given..

The 2nd half started with the same team and both sides were cancelling out each other out in midfield..Brandon came out and in went Kevin..

A surging run by Chris on the left wing managed to pick out Azam whom shot was destined for goal but the opponent GK had other plans..pulling a save and denied the Falcons a goal..

In the dying minutes..The opponents had a golden opportunity to snatch all 3 points at the death but hoofed their shot way over the bar with only the GK to beat…

With the score tied at 0-0..it was 3 games in a row SSFC has not scored..with a 2 week break..majority of the players are given a break as they resume training at Alexandra Hospital field..and work out certain issues before their league activity resumes..

Schwarz Star Times recently caught up with  SSFC assistant manager spoke to him..here is the interview..

Hi Leonie..having been with SSFC for the past say 2-3 years..how do you think SSFC has evolved over the period that you are in SSFC?..

Date: 4 April 2009
Location: Regent secondary
Weather: Cloudy, light drizzle
 
As usual, SSFC started warming up on the sidelines with Azam leading the pack. From Back to front, right to left Kevin, Amir, Weiyang, Taufiq, Fiee, Thava, Azam, Jason, Farhan, Razmy and Yun top of the diamond, SSFC started with the usual 4-1-4-1.
 
The match got off to a bright start with Team Orange attacking SSFC. 10 min into the game, Team Orange had a long shot that went way over the bar. SSFC began to settle into the game and tried playing their possession football. Team Orange were pressing SSFC all over the field. Team Orange were passing the ball confidently with their left midfielder maurauding down the flanks every few minutes. Amir, was not to be outdone. He shadowed him stride for stride. with a body feint, the opponent dribbled pass him. Luckily, Taufiq, our ever realiable centreback, put in a brilliant sliding tackle to concede a throw. SSFC was not playing to their usual high tempo game. A searching ball down the left flank found Razmy running at the opponent in the end it came to nothing. some quick passes in the centre found Yun racing through with the ball, only to trip oveer the ball losing possession Coach Kenneth was jumping up and down by the sidelines shouting for the tempo to be upped. SSFC managed to string a couple of passes and Azam was racing down the flank to latch onto a through ball. The opponent managed to stop Azam by conceding a free kick at the edge of the penalty box. A wasted free kick to say the least.
 
Another through ball down SSFC right flank saw Taufiq put in another sliding tackle to stop the opponent. Substituition – Shafiq replace Jason, Razmy was pulled into the centre of the park to spread the play. Each time SSFC got the ball, the opponents were very quick to close them down. SSFC seems devoid of attacking ideas. A far side corner was conceded. Team Orange floated a beautiful outswinger, a goal mouth melee ensued, SSFC managed to clear the ball but not far enough. The opponent came right back with a shot that hit the woodwork. A reckless lunge at the opponent saw Razmy earning a yellow card. Farhan launched a hopeful punt down the right flank to see Azam speeding towards the opponents goal. Free kick! Farahn lining up to take the shot, a floating cross towards the far post. If only SSFC could connect.
 
The 1st half ended with Team Orange limitted to long range hpeful shots at goal, saw the score at 0-0.
 
2nd half started with Alfie taking over goalkeeping duties, Siva replaced Yun, Christopher replacing Razmy. The match restarted with Team Orange launching waves after waves of attack. The defender were putting in a good shift absorbing everything thrown at them. A series of passes found Chris charging down the left flank, a brilliant cross to Siva was cut out by the opponent. Team Orange is now on the back foot. A quick diagonal through ball from the middle saw Siva on a 1 v 1 with a defender. Very quickly, 2 other defenders were on Siva, without much support, Siva tried a cheeky back heel to an onrushing Azam. But the move was well read by the defender. Fiee had to chase a couple of daigonal passes to stop the opponent. Norman came on for Razmy to add steel to the central. A quick 1-2 and a through ball down the left flank and Chris was running at the defence once more. A brilliant far post cross just missed the head of Siva. The opponent picked up a searching ball down their left flank. A textbook cross from the byeline saw the opponent shooting at goal. Equal to the shot was Alfie who instinctively palmed the ball out for a corner. A long punt from Alfie saw Siva 1 v 1 against a defender and Chris was running free on the left. Siva squared the ball to Chris who only had the keeper to beat ballooned a clear cut opportunity. If only it had gone in. with 15 minutes remaining, Coach Kenneth substituted Razmy, who is on a yellow card, for Azam. 
 
The opponent’s keeper picker up a loose ball and launch a drop kick. Razmy raised his leg to block the kick. 2nd yellow card. Razmy ws sent for an early shower. With 10 men, SSFC continued cautiously on the counter attack, the defenders keeping the ball out of their box by putting their bodies on the line, JohnTerry style. The last 10 minutes saw Team Orange throwing everthing they have at SSFC. SSFC managed to hold out for a goaless draw at the final whistle.
 
2 points lost or 1 point gained? That depends if your glass is half empty or half full. Final Score SSFC 0 Team Orange 0 ~ Leonie